It is becoming exciting the way disease awareness creation is now focusing on the individual, the family and the community. This is without doubt the most efficient way to spread news. 29th October is World Stroke Day and the new slogan is “Because I care …..” This drums home the fact that caring for ourselves, our family and friends is the answer to preventing stroke as well as helping those who are victims of this life-changing condition. This year we are emphasizing the point that strokes are PREVENTABLE and we can expand the benefits by including our families and community.
A stroke is an “attack’ on the brain and occurs when one bleeds into his brain or blood flow to the brain is blocked. Anyone can have a stroke but certain behaviours and medical conditions including the following will increase our risk:
• Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Lack of Exercise
• Obesity
• Abnormal Cholesterol Levels
• Drug Abuse
• Previous Stroke
To effectively prevent a stroke and assist someone with an existing stroke it is important to know the risk factors above and how to protect yourself family and community. In addition “because I care about my family and community I will help them learn about the signs and symptoms of a stroke.” Recognizing signs and symptoms promptly means one is able to act or get help quickly and with strokes EVERY second counts.
The commonest signs and symptoms of stroke are:
• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding speech.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
The signs of stroke occur suddenly. Sometimes we may have warning signs in the form of “mini-strokes” or transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) where the symptoms may last for only a few minutes to less than 24 hours.
Because I care about myself, my family and my community, I will teach everyone how to recognize a stroke F.A.S.T, because it may save lives including mine;
Time is of essence when it comes to getting help for a stroke victim. Don’t play doctor and “wait and see”, get help immediately. Mastering the following steps (F.A.S.T.) may come in handy:
1. Face
a. Ask the person to smile and if one side droops, it may suggest a stroke
2. Arm
a. Ask the person to hold out both arms in front of the body. If one arm droops or is unable to be lifted it may be a positive sign
3. Speech
a. If the victim’s speech is slurred or mixes up words when repeating a simple sentence there is no need to wait any longer.
4. Time
a. If any of these warning signs are present get help from the nearest hospital.
Prevention Still Reigns Supreme
Because I care for myself, my family and my community I will ensure that we all;
1. Control our Blood Pressure
2. Control Diabetes
3. Manage our Cholesterol levels
4. Stop Smoking and minimize Alcohol
5. Cook healthy meals – lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains while cutting back on sugar, salt and oil
6. Exercise regularly
7. Control our Weight
8. If on medication for any condition taking as prescribed
9. Reduce Stress
10. Get adequate sleep most days
11. Visit a healthcare professional frequently to help set our goals and work towards them.
Because I care ……. I will continue to educate people on living healthy as well as setting up facilities where one can get practical assistance to reach their health goals. What will you do to prevent STROKE because you care? Make a pledge today and make it come true.
AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Source:
Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
(dressel@healthclubsgh.com)

*Dr Essel is a Medical Doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy and fitness nutrition.
1. Thought for the week; “Stroke in the young – Time for action. An alarming increase in devastating strokes amongst young persons aged less than 45 years is being noted at the Stroke unit in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Risk factors?
a. Uncontrolled Hypertension b. Poorly Controlled Hypertension c.Undiagnosed Hypertension d. Refusal to take blood pressure medication
Hypertension is KEY to STROKE. Control your blood pressure, check your blood pressure and avoid getting a stroke!!!! We need our men and women in the productive age groups to keep our nation great and strong!” – Dr. Albert Akpalu, Head of Neurology and Stroke Units, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
References:
1. Cdc.gov
2. Priceless Prescriptions from your favourite doctors – Dr Kojo Cobba Essel